*'''Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart''' 89 Ridge Street Newark, NJ 07104, ''+1 973'' 484-4600 [http://www.cathedralbasilica.org/] A magnificent French Gothic cathedral resembling the great cathedral at Rheims, France, its construction was first proposed in 1896. Its towers soar 323 feet, and the cathedral covers some 45,000 square feet, comparable to Westminster Abbey. It features a heavy use of stained glass, including three rose windows; vaulted ceilings; a variety of wood paneling; imported and domestic marble; and crystal, silver, and bronze chandeliers.

*'''Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart''' 89 Ridge Street Newark, NJ 07104, ''+1 973'' 484-4600 [http://www.cathedralbasilica.org/] A magnificent French Gothic cathedral resembling the great cathedral at Rheims, France, its construction was first proposed in 1896. Its towers soar 323 feet, and the cathedral covers some 45,000 square feet, comparable to Westminster Abbey. It features a heavy use of stained glass, including three rose windows; vaulted ceilings; a variety of wood paneling; imported and domestic marble; and crystal, silver, and bronze chandeliers.

*'''Ironbound''' 56 Congress Street Newark, NJ 07105, ''+973'' 491-9191 [http://www.goironbound.com/ibidsite/] Foodies and restaurant aficionados from around the world have come to recognize the Ironbound as a top dining destination. There are more than 170 restaurants in the district, where visitors can explore the cuisines of Portugal, Spain and Brazil. You’ll find old world charm, fine dining, value eateries, barbecue, tapas, cafes, bakeries and lounges. Things heat up in Ironbound once the sun sets. Dancing happens all night long.

==Do==

==Do==

Revision as of 15:31, 10 July 2014

Although one of the great historic cities of the Northeast and the most culturally affluent city in the state, Newark is often overlooked in favor of Goliath-like Manhattan and towns along the Hudson River, such as Jersey City and Hoboken. While no longer the industrial powerhouse it once was, Newark remains one of the America's major shipping, rail, and air hubs, Public transportation is abundant, making it easy to get to, from, and around the city. Newark has been economically disadvantaged for some time, and suffers from a bad reputation, often informed by negative stereotyping. Thanks in large part to a nationally high-profile mayor, committed populace, and changing attitudes towards once decaying urban areas, the often proclaimed, but stunted renaissance of the Newark is steadily and substantially taking hold.

The city is divided into five wards, each with it's own character.Downtown has retained much of early 20th century architecture and has an iconic skyline. Nearly 100,000 people commute to the central business district on workdays, making for a lively urban landscape. Since the millennium it has become more residential as former office buildings and warehouses, such as the art deco Eleven80 (at 1180 Raymond Blvd.), are converted to housing. A new performing arts complex and sports/concert venue and restaurants have encouraged visitors to linger longer into the night,

The North Ward is home to Branch Brook Park, site of the gothic Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart and the nation's largest collection of cherry blossom trees. Surrounding neighbourhoods include architecturally interesting suburban enclaves on the east and bustling urban districts on the west. The East Ward, or the ironbound, is home to a large Portugues/Brazilian community, with a "restaurant row" offering a cornucopia of eating establishments for every budget. The South Ward, once the heart of the Jewish community and home to the Weequahic Park and other architecturally gems, has fallen on hard times, and is were much of the city's crime is concentrated.

Understand

English is the main language. As the home to many immigrants, Newark is a polyglot city. The Ironbound has significant Brazilian and Portuguese population.

Newark is pronounced Noo-wirk, as opposed to Newark, Delaware which is pronounced Noo-ark. Locals will often pronounce it "nork".

Get in

By plane

Newark Liberty International Airport, (IATA: EWR) [10], is about 5 mi (8 km) south of downtown. It is a major hub for United Airlines as well as serving numerous other domestic and international carriers. as well. Along with JFK International Airport and La Guardia Airport, it serves the New York metro area. Airport information can be obtained by calling +1 888-EWR-INFO or +1 973 961-6000.

Train service is provided by via AirTrain Newark monorail between terminals and the Newark-Liberty train station served by NJ Transit and Amtrak. A $5.50 fee is charged when connecting between the airport's train station and AirTrain Newark and is usually included in your NJ Transit or Amtrak Ticket, but the fee is waived for children 11 and younger or if using a monthly pass (if Newark Airport is the destination or origin). You will need to show the ticket twice, once on the train, and once at the fare line. Local buses include the #62 bus to Newark Penn Station and the limites stop #28 through downtown to Newark Broad Street Station (NJ Transit).

Taxis charge a flat fee determined by destination.
Super Shuttle, +1 973 961-2255, [11]. In the airport, shuttle or car will take you to your hotel or residence. Sample fare: airport to Manhattan Holiday Inn for $18. You do have to make reservations ahead of time.

Many airlines not serving Newark Airport fly into the New York metro area at JFK or La Guardia in Queens, New York.

By train

Newark Penn Station is located in the Gateway District just a few blocks from the heart of downtown Newark. It's a beautiful old McKim Mead & White building and worth visiting just on its own. It is served by Amtrak[12] and New Jersey Transit's Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast Line, and Raritan Valley Line, [13], with easy connections to New York, Philadelphia, Trenton, and points south and west. A PATH[14] train (the Red Line) connects Penn Station with Jersey City and the World Trade Centre. Connections to other PATH lines can be made to Hoboken, the West Village, Chelsea, and 33rd St. in Manhattan. When taking the train, realize that Newark and New York both have "Penn Stations". It is sometimes easy to mistake the conductor saying "New York" for "Newark" (and vice versa), so be aware so you don't accidentally get off at the wrong station.

Broad Street Station, located at the north end of downtown is served New Jersey Transit's Montclair-Boonton line, Morristown line and Gladstone Branch lines
which serve the suburbs, Hoboken Terminal, and on Midtown Direct trains, New York Penn.

By car

Route 21 (McCarter Hwy) runs North-South along the railroad tracks a few blocks east of downtown. I-78 skirts the south edge of town and I-280 cuts across the north. Route 1/9 comes across the Pulaski Skyway from Jersey City and Manhattan (via the Holland Tunnel). Take the Raymond Blvd. exit and drive along the Passaic River into downtown.

By bus

Newark Penn Station is also the city's bus terminal and is served by NJ Transit buses, as well as Greyhound[15] and others. BoltBus[16] stops outside the station, offering service from Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Boston.

By boat

Port Liberty Cruise Terminal is located on Upper new York Bay in Bayonne.

Get around

New Jersey Transit operates an extensive bus system in the city and its suburbs. The Newark City Light Rail runs two lines, both originating at Penn Station. The City Subway Line (shown on maps as the blue line) has service to University Heights, Branch Brook Park and neighboring Bloomfield The Broad Street Line (orange on maps) operates through downtown between Penn Station and Broad Street Station.

Taxis in Newark are metered, but often a price can be negotiated. Downtown one can hail a cab, but elsewhere a phone call may be needed.

See

Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Newark Museum, 49 Washington Street Newark, NJ 07102, +1 973 596-6550 [17]. The Newark Museum, established as the largest New Jersey museum, invites you to enjoy unforgettable experiences in the arts and natural sciences. Take an inspirational journey through 80 galleries of world-class collections including American, Asian, African and Classical.

Military Park, Broad St. & Park Pl. Newark, NJ 07102, +1 973 733-9333 [18] Military Park is home to some of New Jersey's most famous monuments and historical points of interest. The triangular, six-acre city park was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, who also planned Central Park. It served as a training ground for soldiers and became an encampment during George Washington's retreat from British forces across New Jersey in 1667. It was also the location of Thomas Edison's first us of electric lights in a public space.

Branch Brook Park, Bloomfield Ave. & Lake St. Newark, NJ 07104, +1 973" 268-2300 [19] Branch Brook Park is an American treasure! Named to the 2013 Great Places in America list by The American Planning Association, the park features the largest collection of cherry blossoms in the nation. With over 4,300 cherry trees...that's 600 more than Washington DC, but who's counting. It was designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead in 1900 (NYC's Central Park).

Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart 89 Ridge Street Newark, NJ 07104, +1 973 484-4600 [20] A magnificent French Gothic cathedral resembling the great cathedral at Rheims, France, its construction was first proposed in 1896. Its towers soar 323 feet, and the cathedral covers some 45,000 square feet, comparable to Westminster Abbey. It features a heavy use of stained glass, including three rose windows; vaulted ceilings; a variety of wood paneling; imported and domestic marble; and crystal, silver, and bronze chandeliers.

Ironbound 56 Congress Street Newark, NJ 07105, +973 491-9191 [22] Foodies and restaurant aficionados from around the world have come to recognize the Ironbound as a top dining destination. There are more than 170 restaurants in the district, where visitors can explore the cuisines of Portugal, Spain and Brazil. You’ll find old world charm, fine dining, value eateries, barbecue, tapas, cafes, bakeries and lounges. Things heat up in Ironbound once the sun sets. Dancing happens all night long.

Do

New Jersey Devils

New Jersey Devils 165 Mulberry St, Newark, NJ 07102, [23] Watch the three time Stanley Cup® champions New Jersey Devils play at The Rock this season! Experience the unparalleled excitement of Devils hockey live at Prudential Center this season. Martin Brodeur and Patrik Elias will be joined by Ryan Clowe and Michael Ryder to lead Jersey’s team on the ice. Join the Devils Army at Prudential Center this season!

New Jersey Historical Society 52 Park Place Newark, NJ 07102, +1 973 596-8500, [27] Founded in 1845, the New Jersey Historical Society is the oldest cultural institution in the state. Explore exhibitions, browse the gift shop, research local history in our library, or stop in for a great program.

Art Galleries

Aljira: A Center for Contemporary Art, 591 Broad St Newark, NJ 07102, +1 973 622-1600, [28]. Check out the latest at Aljira, a Center for Contemporary Art, with cutting edge exhibitions and educational programs. They focus on inclusiveness and diversity, promoting a cross-cultural dialog helping to better understand the time in which we live.

City Without Walls, 6 Crawford Street Newark, NJ 07102, +1 973 622-1188, [29]. City Without Walls (cWOW) is an urban gallery of emerging artists. City Without Walls is New Jersey's oldest not-for-profit alternative art space, in continuous operation since 1975. Stop it to see the latest exhibition, there's always something happening.

Glassroots Studio, 10 Bleeker Street Newark, NJ 07102, +1 973 353-9555, [31]. Play with fire at GlassRoots Studio and master of the art of flame working. Manipulate molten matter and make works of art and delve into glass working rich history, which dates back over a thousand years. Fire is dangerous, exciting, and fascinating. When controlled, it can create beautiful things.

Newark Museum, 49 Washington Street Newark, NJ 07102, +1 973 596-6550, [32]. The Newark Museum, established as the largest New Jersey museum, invites you to enjoy unforgettable experiences in the arts and natural sciences. Take an inspirational journey through 80 galleries of world-class collections including American, Asian, African and Classical.

Festivals

Brazilian Festival (September)Brazilian natives who live within the NY and NJ Metropolitan Area. Some of the greatest assets offered by the institution are English classes, legal counseling, medical and psychological support, social assistance, among others

Cherry Blossom Festival (April)Branch Brook Park is an American treasure! Named to the 2013 Great Places in America list by The American Planning Association, the park features the largest collection of cherry blossoms in the nation. With over 4,300 cherry trees...that's 600 more than Washington DC, but who's counting.

Geraldine Dodge Poetry Festival (October)For four days Newark's vibrant Downtown Arts District will be transformed into a poetry village featuring some of our most celebrated, diverse and vibrant poets and spoken word artists.

Lincoln Park Music Festival (July) Born of the desire to redevelop the Lincoln Park community using music based in the African American experience, the Lincoln Park Music Festival (LPMF) has developed into an audience of 50,000 international attendees to experience our multi-genre music festival, which traditionally features gospel, jazz, hip hop and rhythm and blues performances.

McDonald's Gospel Fest (Spring) Prudential Center, talent competition and concert, one of the biggest Gospel events in the USA.

Newark Black Film festival (Summer) The Newark Black Film Festival, the longest running festival of its kind in the United States, kicks off its 40th season on June 25 at the Newark Museum with a film that marks the 50th anniversary of the first Freedom Ride in May 1961.

Portugal Day Festival (June) You won't want to miss the Portugal Day Festival in Newark's Ironbound. Thousands of people take to the street to celebrate Portuguese cuisine, music, art and culture!

James Moody Democracy of Jazz Festival (November) Newark’s rich jazz legacy comes to life again this week with the TD James Moody Democracy of Jazz Festival, which is named for the revered saxophonist who helped put Newark music-making on a global stage.

Endless Arts Festival (Fall) Fall into Endless Arts with great events happening all around town. This postindustrial oasis spurs creative minds and souls, producing style bibles, and works of art that matter.

Newark PrideFest (Summer) Live music throughout the night and multiple events planned for the week to embrace the entire community.

Sports

Redbulls

Prudential Center Heading to a New Jersey Devils game? Look out for public skates at the AmeriHealth Pavilion at Prudential Center for both pre & post game fun and skate the night away on the three time Stanley Cup Champion New Jersey Devils practice rink.

Red Bulls Arena(Harrison) The New York Red Bulls are one of 19 teams that comprise the top-flight professional soccer league in the United States - Major League Soccer.

Gospel and Jazz

Newark has a long tradition of jazz and gospel and is home to WGBO, Metro New York's jazz station. Renowned clubs are located in its suburbs, all at short ride to nearby stations of NJT's Morris and Essex Lines which depart from Broad Street Station. Local churches which have been the breeding ground for numerous R&B singers welcome respectful guests.

Branch Brook Park Roller Skating Center 7th Ave & Clifton Ave Newark, NJ 07104, +1 973 482-8900, [37] Roll over to Branch Brook Park for roller skating at one of the last urban rinks. Take a spin, and find affordable family fun. Score great prizes in their arcade, and try your luck with the latest video games. Comfort food is plentiful at their cafe.

Inferno Limits 400 Ferry St Newark, NJ 07105, +1 973 856-6555, [38] Coming soon! Test your survival skills at this brand new state of the art paintball and laser tag facility. It features over 30,000 square feet of playing surface where you can immerse yourself in scenes from your favorite video games. They have a killer arcade...so let the games begin.

Learn

Rutgers University - Newark, [4]. The main campus is in New Brunswick but there's a smaller campus in Newark.

Seton Hall University School of Law, One Newark Center, [5]. The university's law school is located in Newark, not along with the other colleges on the university's South Orange campus.

Libraries

Newark Public Library, [6]. A great facility to explore, pick up a book, and learn a little something in the city.

Work

Newark is home to Prudentual Insurance and PSEG (in 2013 to Panasonic). and other corporations located downtown, as are the many federal and state courthouses. University Heights is home to Rutgers, NJIT, New Jersey Medical School. Port Newark and Newark Airport combine to make the city the largest transportation and distribution center on the East Coast. Light manufacturing survives

Buy

The greater Newark region has it all. From The Outlet Collection NJ's largest premium outlet mall welcoming over 18 million visitors per year to quirky shops, vintage couture, and markets with a European flair. You'll find Eastern curiosities; Luxe Boutiques, skate shop culture, haberdasheries, purveyors of fine menswear and even a historic general store. TM Ward has been serving up fresh roast coffee beans since 1869; the store is filled with candy-coated goodness, gadgets, nuts and dried fruits. Need a nighttime fix? Call the Cookie Bookie and get freshly baked cookies and milk delivered right to your door. The perfect way to cap a perfect day.

The Outlet Collection (Jersey Gardens) 651 Kapkowski Rd, Elizabeth Elizabeth, NJ 07201, +1 908 354-5900, [39] Get ready to splurge at The Outlet Collection | Jersey Gardens, New Jersey's largest premium outlet mall with over 200 stores under one roof! They welcome over 18 million people each year, nearly 5 times more people than the Statue of Liberty. Stock up...there is no sales tax on clothing or shoes.

St. James & Company 25 Halsey Street Newark, NJ 07102, +1 973 424-1111, [41] St. James & Company, a men's clothing and accessory boutique. We have contemporary, classic and fashion forward styles for the man who desires to make a statement when he enters the room.

Eat

Newark is the place for impeccable cuisine. Do you fancy finger lickin’, barbecue tastin’ ribs or the nice fine dining dishes that make your mouth burst with trillions of flavors all at once? If so, Newark is the place for you to be. No one else does it better than them! Newark in houses over 137 restaurants in the Ironbound section alone! From a wide spread of cultural foods like Portuguese, Brazilian, Spanish, Latin, and even American foods. Wait there’s more! Just when you’re not quite finish, Newark has a big treat for you. There are multiple delicious bakeries all located in this happening city.

American

Edison Ale House 51 Edison Place Newark, NJ 07102, +1 973 643-5560 [44] Edison Ale House is located just across from the Prudential Center and serves up a great fan experience.

Dinosaur BBQ 224-226 Market Street Newark, NJ 07102, +1 862 214-6100 [47] Dinosaur Bar-B-Que serves up good smoke. It's nationally acclaimed as some of the best in the country and has been featured on both the Food Network and the Travel Channel.

Nico Kitchen + Bar One Center Street Newark, NJ 07102, +1 973 642-1226 [48] Trendsetting happens at this elegant bistro located adjacent to NJPAC. It's contemporary take on classic American and Italian dishes has earned it a spectacular reputation.

Bakery & Dessert

Art Kitchen 61 Halsey Street Newark, NJ 07102 +1 973 643-5560 [54] This sweet spot serves up more than just a great cup of joe.

​Calandra's 204 First Ave Newark, NJ 07107 +1 973 484-5598 [55] Did you know that Calandra’s Bakery is the officially bakery of Prudential Center? They have been serving fresh baked bread for over 50 years.

Pubs & Bars

As Newark is a large commuter town, many bar/restaurants have after work "happy hours". While many thin out as the crowd heads home, those around the Prudential Center keeping going into the night.

There is a large liquor store in Penn Station with wide selection including buy single bottles of beer, including micro-brews. On the east side of the station, in the Ironbound there are numerous pubs, some with a bar menu

Rocky’s Restaurant & Lounge 649 Elizabeth Ave. Newark, NJ 07112 +1 973 558-3599 [60] Rocky’s Restaurant is a great little Peruvian restaurant in the Heart of Elizabeth. They are best known for their rotisserie chicken with the salsa verde, seafood platters and ceviche. Every weekend and enjoy live entertainment.

Portugalia Bar and Restaurant 280 ½ Ferry Street Newark, NJ 07105 +1 973 465-0696 [61] Love Portuguese food? This place serves up homestyle authentic food and is known for its BBQ chicken, codfish, and serving a mean steak. Just like mom used to make!

Blue Mirror 257 Clinton Avenue Newark, NJ 07108 +1 973 732-7979 [62] he Blue Mirror Restaurant and Lounge is urban chic. Looking to unwind with cocktails and live jazz (First Fridays)…this is the place. Enjoy a flavor fusion of Soul, Italian and American Cuisines. Their specialties include catfish, chicken and ribs combo, and the crab cakes.

Kilkenny Ale House 27 Central Avenue Newark, NJ 07102 +1 973 824-8048 [63] Kilkenny Alehouse is known about town for their wings. It delivers most than just Irish pub fare, feast on great salads, crab cake sliders...and get your Guinness poured properly (they've got a nitrogen tap).

Sleep

Newark has been welcoming visitors since the opening of its first hotel back in 1670. Today you can enjoy luxe boutique hotels, hotels with Presidential pedigrees, value stays, treasured name brands, along with modern stylish suites and rooftop bars.

Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, the best way to experience all that Newark has to offer is to check in and stay a while.

Robert Treat Hotel, 50 Park Pl, +1 973 622-1000, Fax: +1 973 622-6410. Recently renovated, runs free guest shuttles both to Newark Penn Station as well as to Newark Airport. Rooms facing the back of the hotel have views of Manhattan and rooms facing the front have views of Military Park and Broad Street. On a relatively safe downtown street with NJPAC across the street. [69].

Airport

While hotels serving Newark Airport can be inexpensive ($50+ booked online; $69 walk in). some require multiple transfers with hotel shuttle to airport & NJT#62 to Penn Station. Service is sporadic, so one can sometimes expect 1 to 2 hrs each way. Those hotels located on Route 1 & 9 South/Frontage Road have NJT#40 bus service which travel between the airport and Downtown/Newark Penn on an hourly basis.

Field Station; Dinosaurs [79], is theme park exhibition is within walking distance of Secaucus Junction, one stop from Newark Penn

Hitchhike
Believe it or not, it is possible to hitchhike out of the New York Metro area. If you are trying to go long distances, your best bet is to take NJ Transit or Metro North far enough to put you well into the suburbs, preferably to a stop that puts you near (within walking distance of) a major highway such as an Interstate. From there, get to an on-ramp and put out your thumb. Be advised, however, that New Jersey state laws on hitchhiking are notoriously ambiguous, and you will be hassled by local police, so use common sense and discretion.

If you're trying to go west into Pennsylvania, your best bet is to take NJ transit to Mt. Olive, which is only a 5-min walk from I-80, which generally carries a good amount of long-distance traffic going west.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!